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7 Most Beautiful Lake Towns in Washington

You can find a lake in almost every corner of Washington state. Even though they are not as well known as other landmarks like the Cascade Mountains and Mt. Rainier, lakes offer plenty of natural beauty.

These small towns have grown around their local lake and capitalized on this natural resource. Many lake towns have become havens for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, camping, or exploring nature trails.

If you love waterfront properties or enjoy spending time by the water with friends and family, check out our list of the most beautiful lake towns in Washington state.

Mercer Island

Aerial image of Mercer Island, Seattle, Washington

Mercer Island is a city in King County, Washington. It is located on an island of the same name in Lake Washington. The population was 24,837 at the 2010 census and has a total area of 3.4 square miles (8.7 km2). Mercer Island gets its name from the Mercer brothers who first settled in the area in the 1800s. Mercer Island has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (according to the Köppen Climate Classification system), making it a perfect destination for vacations and life after retirement. In addition to its welcoming climate, this town has numerous parks, the most notable of which is Luther Burbank park that has a stunning watefront, allowing for activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming as well as picnic facilities.

Lakewood

Photo of the historic Lakewood Theatre during a summer street fair

Lakewood is a city in Pierce County, Washington, located by American Lake. The population was around 31,000 as of the 2010 census. Lakewood is situated on the shores of Puget Sound and stretches from Tacoma to Olympia and West Seattle to Gig Harbor.

Gig Harbor on a sunny day in Washington

It has a mix of residential and commercial districts with a thriving waterfront district along its southern shoreline. The city is home to the former U.S. Naval Air Station, now Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and also hosts a popular fireworks display every year on July 4 at the Lakewood Center for the Arts.

Woodinville

Street view of the Woodinville city center sign outside of a major shopping area on a cloudy, overcast day

Woodinville, Washington, is a beautiful town, located by Lake Leota just northwest of Seattle and is known as the home of the famous winery Chateau Ste Michelle. Woodinville is a popular city for people who love to wine and dine, but it is also a great place to raise a family.

The city has excellent schools and is very close to Redmond and Seattle, which makes it a great place for commuters. Woodinville has everything you would want in a city without all the hustle and bustle of a big city. It is close enough to Seattle to enjoy all the benefits of living near a big city but far enough away that you don’t have to deal with all the noise and commotion.

Silver Lake

Fog clings to Silver Lake in Washington on the morning of September 22, 2016

Silver Lake, named after the adjacent Silver Lake, is one of the smallest towns on our list. You will find it about an hour east of Spokane in the Silver Valley region of Washington. This historic mining town was established in 1882 and was named after the nearby Silver Creek.

Silver Lake is known for its picturesque landscapes, which include panoramic views of nearby mountains, lake waters, and the many species of wildlife in the area. Silver Lake offers plenty of outdoor activities, like hiking, boating, fishing, birdwatching, and camping. And if you visit in the winter, you can enjoy snow sports and cross-country skiing.

Sumner

Mt. Rainier reflecting in Lake Tapps in Sumner, Washington

Sumner is located in the northwest corner of Washington. This small town is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle, making it a popular place for commuters. Sumner is also home to the Puyallup Fair, one of Washington’s largest fairs. The fair is held annually at the end of September and attracts more than 300,000 people. Sumner has some of the most beautiful views of Lake Sumner in the state. The small downtown area has some great shops, restaurants, and a local theater. Sumner is a great choice if you want to move to Washington and want a small lakeside town with a lot to offer.

If you visit in the winter, you can enjoy snow sports and cross-country skiing. The town is also home to the Pierce County Farmers Market, open every Saturday from April to October.

Kirkland

Aerial view of Kirkland, Washington

Kirkland was originally named after David Kirk, who was one of the first white settlers in the area. The city was incorporated on January 28th, 1927. Kirkland borders Lake Washington.

Aerial view of the waterfront of Kirkland, Washington 

The city has a lot to offer its residents and visitors alike. Many parks and recreational areas are perfect for families with children or people who want to enjoy nature on their own terms. There are also many restaurants and shops that offer a variety of cuisines from around the world, as well as local favorites like pizza and sushi.

Lakeview

Capitol Hill Lakeview Cemetery in Downtown Seattle

Lakeview is a town in Washington with a population of 1,013.  Living in Lakeview offers residents a suburban rural mix feel, and most residents own their homes. Many people move to Lakeview to retire as it offers excellent scenic views of nearby Soap Lake. 

These are some of the most beautiful lake towns in Washington state and offer plenty of waterfront activities and beautiful landscapes. The state is home to more than 8,000 lakes! You can even enjoy snow sports and cross-country skiing in these towns. If you love waterfront properties or enjoy spending time by the water with friends and family, check out our list of the most beautiful lake towns in Washington state.

These small towns have grown around their local lake and capitalized on this natural resource. These lake towns have become havens for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, boating, or exploring nature trails. If you are looking for a new place to live, you can’t go wrong with one of these beautiful lake towns in Washington state.

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